Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AKC registered Australian Shepherd?
An AKC-registered Australian Shepherd is a purebred dog recognized by the American Kennel Club, bred to meet the official standard for structure, temperament, and working ability. Key physical traits include: Height: Males: 20–23 inches Females: 18–21 inches Weight: Typically 40–65 pounds, depending on sex and build Tail: Must be docked or naturally bobbed to meet AKC conformation standards Registration ensures not only pedigree but a commitment to preserving the breed’s integrity
How much are your puppies?
Puppies are $2,100. Each litter is AKC registered. Puppies come microchipped, dewormed, and receive their first set of vaccinations. They go home with a puppy bag that includes: A sample of their current food A blanket with mom and littermates’ scent One soft toy Poop bags A hypoallergenic shampoo bar Health records A grooming guide
How do you raise your puppies?
Our puppies are raised in the heart of our home, woven into the daily rhythm of life with our six children—learning to nap through vacuum noise, greet guests with curiosity, and settle into the gentle chaos of family living. We follow the Empowered Breeder Advanced Puppy curriculum and Puppy Culture, implementing early neurological stimulation and intentional socialization from birth. After their first vaccinations, we begin puppy snuggles in town, and we guarantee that each puppy will meet at least 100 new people before going home at 8 weeks. We also take our puppies on car rides to prevent carsickness and ensure they’re comfortable traveling in vehicles. Every experience is designed to prepare our puppies for confident, connected life in your home.
How do you pair your puppies with a prospective home?
At Huckleberry Hill, “bred with purpose, placed with intention” is more than a motto—it’s our guiding ethos. We use a detailed temperament evaluation to understand each puppy’s personality, energy level, and needs. With that insight—and our daily observations—we thoughtfully match puppies to families based on lifestyle, goals, and connection. We do take sex and color preferences into consideration, but we do not place puppies solely based on appearance. Our goal is a lifelong fit, rooted in temperament and compatibility, not just looks.
What do you feed your puppies?
We feed our puppies Victor. We love Victor because it’s veteran-owned, made with high-quality ingredients, and free of seed oils. It supports healthy growth and digestion—making it a trusted part of our puppies’ early development.
Can I visit my puppy?
We don’t host visits to our home, but families are welcome to join us for puppy snuggles in town once the puppies are vaccinated. We also offer FaceTime calls as part of our matching process, so you can see your puppy interacting with us and their littermates in real time. It’s all part of our commitment to transparency, connection, and intentional placement.
Can I change my puppy's name?
Absolutely. Once you’ve been matched with a puppy and placed a deposit, we’re happy to start calling your puppy by the name you choose—so it’s something they begin to recognize before going home. We kindly ask that when you register your puppy with the AKC, you include “Huckleberry” in their registered name to honor their roots.
